18 Jul 10 Surprising Truths You’ll Discover While Interning Abroad
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If you think interning abroad is just about building your resume, think again.
Sure, more than 75% of students say participating in an internship abroad was helpful in landing their first full-time job after graduating, but the benefits go far beyond the CV.
When you intern abroad, you’ll immerse yourself in a world of new opportunities and challenges. From cultural surprises to unexpected personal growth, the experience is sure to be packed with lessons you’ll carry for a lifetime.
If you’re considering enrolling in internship abroad programs or are curious about what lies ahead, here are 10 surprising truths you’ll discover while taking on this exciting adventure.
What Are the Hidden Challenges of Interning Abroad?
Interning abroad is rewarding, but it’s not all postcard-perfect moments and life-changing professional wins. There are real challenges too. Learning to conquer them is what makes the adventure worthwhile.
Here are a few things that might surprise you in high school summer internships abroad:
1. How to Adapt to New Work Cultures
Work isn’t the same everywhere. Whether you’re interning in Europe, Asia, or beyond, you’ll encounter different cultural norms and expectations.
For example, punctuality is everything in Germany, while in Spain, a laid-back attitude might surprise you. Workplace hierarchies can vary, too—some countries encourage open communication across levels, while others put heavy emphasis on respecting titles and roles.
Adjusting to a new work culture teaches invaluable adaptability. You’ll gain cultural sensitivity and the ability to collaborate in diverse environments, both of which are highly prized by employers.
2. The Language Barrier Can Be Intimidating
Even in places where English is spoken widely, you’ll occasionally face a language gap. Ordering lunch or following workplace discussions might feel challenging at first.
But here’s the silver lining: immersing yourself in a new language improves your communication skills and helps you connect with locals in a meaningful way.
3. Homesickness Might Catch You Off Guard
You might think you’re too strong or independent to miss home, but being thousands of miles away can make even the most confident intern feel a little out of place.
Homesickness is normal, but it’s all part of the process. It pushes you to build support systems on-site, which eventually helps you feel at home wherever you go.
4. Time Zones Will Mess With Your Routine
An overseas internship isn’t just about shifting your physical location—it’s also about living on a completely different schedule.
Staying up late for family video calls or adjusting to your host country’s working hours can be challenging, but it teaches you time management like no other experience can.
5. Professional Expectations May Exceed Your Comfort Zone
Certain internship environments abroad might demand more from you than you initially expected. Whether it’s longer hours or fast-paced assignments, you’ll likely be pushed to new professional heights. This builds resilience, critical thinking, and confidence in tackling high-pressure situations.
6. Cultural Differences Are Eye-Opening
It’s impossible to prepare fully for all the cultural quirks you’ll face during your internship. Whether it’s business practices or social etiquette, you’ll encounter surprises.
For instance, public displays of affection might be considered inappropriate in some countries, while in others, it’s totally normal. Keep an open mind to learn and grow from these experiences.
7. Learning to Budget Is Essential
Living in a foreign country forces you to confront financial realities. Between currency conversions, paying for meals, and finding budget-friendly weekend trips, learning to manage your finances becomes a top priority. Interning abroad teaches real-life money management skills you might not have mastered otherwise.
8. Free Time Is More Enriching Than You Expect
It’s not all work. From exploring local landmarks to tasting street food, your downtime will be packed with unforgettable experiences.
However, the biggest lesson? You don’t need to spend every free moment in tourist mode to have a great time abroad. Some of the most rewarding moments are the simplest, whether that’s having coffee with coworkers or walking through new neighborhoods.
9. Networking Becomes Second Nature
Interning abroad expands your professional connections in ways you can’t predict. You’ll find yourself interacting with coworkers, industry professionals, and even fellow interns from all over the world. These connections often turn into long-term relationships that open up exciting career opportunities in the future.
10. You Never Come Back the Same
Perhaps the biggest surprise is how much you’ll change. An internship abroad program forces you to grow in confidence, become more independent, and fine-tune your professional and personal skills.
By the time you return home, you’ll likely feel like a new version of yourself—more capable and world-savvy than you thought possible.
What Unexpected Skills Do Interns Gain Abroad?
Beyond professional skills, interning in another country comes with perks that can’t be taught in a classroom.
Cultural Intelligence
During your time abroad, you’ll gain the ability to work across cultural lines with empathy and understanding. This is especially important in global industries where communication and collaboration span continents.
Problem-Solving
When language barriers or cultural norms create unexpected challenges, you’ll find creative ways to bridge gaps. This sharpens your problem-solving skills, making you more resourceful and adaptable.
Independence and Initiative
Interning abroad means taking charge of your life. From grocery shopping in foreign supermarkets to navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, you’ll become more self-reliant and confident in your ability to handle new situations.
Networking Mastery
Whether you join a high school summer internship abroad or a postgraduate program, networking is a key part of the experience. By working with professionals from different backgrounds, you hone your ability to connect, collaborate, and grow your global network.
And that network? It can pay off in dividends. One German study found that studying abroad (and by extension, interning abroad) often has a positive impact on graduates’ wages. Translation=higher earning potential over the life of your career.
Global Perspective
Experience in a different country challenges you to see the world from another point of view. It broadens your perspective on business operations, cultural norms, and even personal relationships, leaving a lasting impression on how you approach life.
Absolute Internship Will Help You Overcome Challenges on Your Overseas Internship
An internship abroad program can change your life in unexpected ways. From encountering cultural differences to reinventing your approach to professional growth, there’s something magical about stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Admittedly, for many students, the thought of interning abroad might feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming.
But here’s the good news—you don’t have to tackle it alone. Absolute Internship is here to make the process seamless and rewarding.
With placements in over 30 cities around the world, Absolute Internship connects you with companies that align with your career goals and fields of interest. Whether you’re navigating the logistics of a high school internship abroad or stepping into a corporate setting for the first time, you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way.
Interning abroad has its challenges, but with Absolute Internship, you’ll feel prepared and supported from start to finish.
If you’re considering taking the leap, there’s no better time than now to explore programs designed to help you maximize the experience. Absolute Internship has the expertise and global reach to make your high school internships abroad or postgraduate placements truly unforgettable.
Your future self is waiting. Are you ready to discover everything the world has in store for you?
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